Solidarity with Arms Fair activists – 3rd February

We’d like to share this message from a good friend and long-time supporter of Housmans, Symon Hill, who is, amongst other things, author of ‘Digital Revolutions: Activism in the Internet Age’ (New Internationalist, 2013)

Dear Friends,

As some of you know, I will be on trial next week, along with four others, for nonviolently obstructing one of the entrances to the London arms fair in September last year. We linked arms in the entrance, sang hymns and prayed. Behind us, weapons of war and death were on sale.

We will be on trial on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th February for refusing to move when requested by the police. We have pled Not Guilty. We will point out that there was illegal activity going on inside the arms fair – two companies were found to be selling torture equipment, but were not arrested or charged.

We stand in solidarity with others who will be facing trial later in February for other peaceful protests against the London arms fair.

Caroline Lucas (Green MP) and Rowan Williams (former Archbishop of Canterbury) have publicly supported us and many other people have spoken out against the arms fair. We have been deeply moved by the messages of support we have received.

I’m delighted to say that several people have organised a peaceful vigil outside court on Monday 3rd February. We’re really grateful for this. It will begin at 9am, with a moment of silence at 10am to remember victims of the arms trade.

This is the plan:

What: A peaceful presence outside the court, to show solidarity and to remember those who are victims of war as a direct result of the government’s support of the arms trade. The organisers have banners and leaflets, but feel free to bring messages of peace in whatever form.

When: Starting at 9am on Monday 3rd February, with a vigil-moment at 10am. We may be in court for some time and some have kindly offered to be there until the end of the day. And then again on 4th February from 9am if the trial continues.

If you can’t make it, please join us in prayer and/or reflection on the day. You can also follow developments on Twitter, by following @PutDowntheSword and using the hashtag #StopDSEi. Facebook includes an event page for several arms fair-related trials including this one, while others are leaving messages of support on the Christians Against the Arms Fair page.